RELEASE: In Contrast to Federal Elections, Big Wins for Connecticut’s Pro-Environment Candidates

Hartford, CT – The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) celebrates the major victories achieved by CTLCV-endorsed candidates across Connecticut in this election cycle. Given that state-level victories have never been more important, these successful campaigns highlight the continued support for environmental protections in Connecticut. 

The election of Donald Trump is deeply alarming, as his past actions and statements have consistently undermined climate progress and environmental protections. President-elect Trump has called climate change a 'hoax,' rolled back key provisions of the Clean Air Act, and removed the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, jeopardizing international commitments to curb emissions. He has vowed to 'gut' the EPA, stop offshore wind development, and rescind critical clean energy funding, despite the clear economic and environmental benefits. In light of these extreme priorities, it will be a priority for CTLCV to block efforts that would reverse clean energy progress and/or withhold federal funding to Connecticut.

State-level actions are now critical for the progress of environmental and democracy protections. The health, economy, and future of Connecticut’s communities will depend on state action to combat these federal threats to a sustainable future. That path forward relies on strong state leadership, making the success of CTLCV’s endorsed candidates that much more important. 

Over 80% of CTLCV-endorsed candidates won their races (a total of 56), with several key victories in competitive districts and tight races. One Senate seat and five House seats were flipped from anti-environment incumbents to committed environmental advocates. The next two legislative sessions will be critical for shoring up Connecticut’s environmental protections, and this growing group of pro-environment legislators is a big win. 

“This election has shown that having candidates who care about the environment is important for Connecticut voters,” said Lori Brown, Executive Director of CTLCV.  “Unfortunately, with Trump’s return to power, we face severe threats to both our environment and environmental justice, from rollbacks of crucial protections to continued backing of gas and oil interests. These policies will disproportionately harm our most vulnerable communities. In Connecticut, efforts to advance climate action and ensure a sustainable, just future are more urgent than ever.”

Notable Pro-Environment Victories
CTLCV is proud to highlight these significant wins:
Paul Honig in Senate District 8
Nick Menapace in House District 37
Nick Gauthier in House District 38
Jaime Foster in House District 57
MJ Shannon in House District 117
Kaitlyn Shake in House District 120
Ken Gucker in House District 138

Additionally, CTLCV is encouraged by the passage of the Absentee Voting Referendum, a step forward in a more equitable voting process. This victory ensures that Connecticut voters have expanded opportunities to engage in democracy, especially during times of climate-related disruptions.

Acknowledging Losses
There were several key losses for CTLCV-endorsed candidates this year, with one of the most disappointing outcomes being the race in Senate District 36 between Nick Simmons and incumbent Ryan Fazio. Throughout the campaign, CTLCV highlighted Sen. Fazio’s harmful stance on fossil fuels and his consistent opposition to renewable energy and coastal resilience efforts. During his time in office, Fazio has repeatedly voted against critical environmental legislation. His Environmental Scorecard rating for the most recent legislative session was a dismal 25%. While Simmons fell short in his bid, the responsibility now lies with Fazio’s constituents to hold him accountable for his record and ensure their voices are heard on environmental issues.

In addition to this loss, the loss of incumbent Rep. Rachel Khanna of House District 149 is disappointing. She was a strong environmental advocate, specifically working on protections for Connecticut’s air and water. 

Looking Ahead to 2025
Looking ahead to the upcoming legislative session, CTLCV is preparing to work with a growing group of pro-environment legislators to advance key policies that address climate change, protect public lands, expand clean energy, reduce chemicals in Connecticut’s waterways, and progress environmental justice efforts. 

The next legislative session will be a pivotal moment for Connecticut’s environment, and CTLCV is ready to take on this work with renewed commitment and determination.  Supporting these legislative champions and holding all lawmakers accountable is now more important than ever. 

For the full list of successful endorsed candidates, please visit CTLCV’s website here. 

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The CT League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) is a nonpartisan statewide organization dedicated to protecting Connecticut’s environment. CTLCV works to pass equitable and sustainable legislation that impacts our air, land, water, wildlife, and climate and holds all state legislators accountable with an annual Environmental Scorecard. CTLCV endorses and supports pro-environment candidates for CT State House and Senate, and Statewide elected offices. Visit ctlcv.org for more information on CTLCV.